Two new communal groups voted onto the Board of Deputies

An organisation supporting Jewish refugees from the Middle East and a charity providing sheltered housing have been voted on to the Board of Deputies. 

Harif UK and jLiving were overwhelmingly accepted onto the community’s representative body during a virtual meeting on Sunday.

The Board, which is celebrating its 260th anniversary this year, now has 184 representative organisations and shuls, and 300 individual deputies 300.

Jane Goodman, Chief Executive of jLiving, which is the community’s largest provider of sheltered housing in the UK working with the community,  said the charity is “delighted” to join.

“Access to quality housing for the community has never been more important than it is now in light of the challenges of the past few months. We welcome and embrace the opportunity to raise the profile of our sector within the wider community and look forward to working with the Board in the coming years.’

Harif president Lyn Julius said: “We look forward to working together with the Board and its constituent organisations to raise awareness of the history and culture of Sephardim/ Mizrahim, in line with the Board’s policy of diversity and inclusivity. ”

Board President Marie van der Zyl extended “the warmest of welcomes to.. the newest members of our expanding and diverse collection of community organisations which come together to represent all facets of the UK Jewish community. 

“I am sure in their different ways they will both contribute to  Board of Deputies and our organisation will be enhanced by their presence.”

The meeting also featured a talk by historian Daniel Tilles.

You can re-watch the meeting here: